1.2 Problem statement Research problem is a terminology for a topic which has been narrowed down and refined appropriately for research. It is the why of the study it can be described as the hypothesis or question of interest to a researcher which can be tested or answered through the collection of data. A research is normally conducted because a deficiency or a need has been found. This deficiency or need should be clearly and specifically indicated since it justifies the research project.
A statement of the problem refers to what the researcher has identified as existing in the literature, theory or practice- a condition which need to be probed and a solution found. It may arise from issues, difficulties or current practices or problems that need to be solved or better understood. Or it may arise from deductions from current theories related to current social or political issues, practical situations or personal experiences. It may be an issue that a researcher wants to describe, an event that he/she has observed and will attempt to develop or explain the problem for which the researcher will develop the solution.
Steps to take to identify whether your topic is a research problem or not Is there a perceived inconsistency between what is (the actual) and what should be (the ideal) if answer is yes then there is a problem. If the answer is yes , then there is a problem but it may not be a research problem. A yes answer will lead the researcher to ask another question?
Is there a question about why there is a discrepancy? If answer is no then there is no research because the discrepancy can be explained from the available facts and data. It does not necessarily require collection and analysis of data. If yes then a problem exists, it means the researcher cannot explain the discrepancy from the available facts and data. A yes answer leads the researcher to the final question
Are there possible and reasonable solutions to the discrepancy? In other words can researcher generate or suggest possible or tentative explanations as to why the discrepancy exists? If possible answers cannot be suggested then the problem cannot be investigated, but if its yes then it’s a research problem since its possible answers that form the basis for investigation.
Once a problem has been identified, the next task is to state it very clear, precise and non- ambiguous terms. To do this you should proceed as follows
Describe the ideal. This is the description of expected performance, status, conditions or relationships between the variables if everything was to work according to plan. In other words, it’s a description of things as they should be. The researcher should provide authoritative sources to reinforce the ideal relationships. The description of the ideal should focus on the subject (independent variable) of study and should relate to the specifics operations of the subject. For instance, developing a strong brand in today’s competitive business environment is very crucial for attracting and maintaining customers (Akoth, 2016). A successful brand will not only resonate well with business target market but also it will help in establishing long term customer loyalty
Second paragraph should be describing the problem as it were in the case or on the ground. This problem is not the norm. Here, researcher should describe the problem in occurrence, intensity, distribution and other measures to which data is already available. The aim is to gather all relevant information about the problem as possible with evidence to support the same. To properly do this one need to review literatures, examine current statistics; seek educated opinions from concerned people with the problem. If it’s a proposal for donor funds, here you must engage the beneficiaries (Community) through rapid rural appraisal to know the exactly the needs. The description of the actual in research paper should focus on the subject dependent variable of the study. In description of the problem the researcher should focus on:-
Incidences and prevalence of the problem
Geographical area affected
Characteristics of people affected by the problem
Possible solutions or what can be done and some answered questions
Finally, the problem statement should end by the researcher establishing the gap, between the ideal and the actual and indicate why its important to conduct this study. i.e if this issue of election violence is not addressed after every electioneering period in Kenya, this is setting a dangerous precedent for the future of the whole county.
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